Disclaimer: W.I.T.C.H. is not mine, never will be.
I'd like to thank my new Beta for helping me with this chapter.
I found it odd that Matt didn't tell the girls about Yan Lin being replaced by the Altermere. I figure Nerissa didn't tell Shagon all of her secrets because she either didn't trust his good side or was never planning to keep him around. Wonder what Shagon would think of his precious mistress now?
Ah, Will and Matt are finally reunited, but the Honey Moon's over. Back to the sweet angst that has been driving this fic. Poor Matt hasn't even been home a full day before he suffers another…
I am the magical unknown beta! mwuahahaha
Traumatic Turn of Events
Chapter 9
"What is your wish?" said the voice echoing in the distance. It was warm, it was familiar, it was safe. "What is it you wish for?" I hesitated. I was reminded of the night before I had become the demon of my desires and my hate. What did I wish for? Did I have any right to wish for anything at all? The last time I received my selfish wish I nearly destroyed the ones I loved most. But even after all of that, I still wanted to be with Will and to fight by her side. But that seemed more and more like an impossibility.
"Why do you wish this?" the voice asked again even though I never spoke aloud. "Do you need powers to fight with her? Or do you think you need powers for her to love you?" I looked around still not seeing the owner of the voice. Was she right though? Maybe I was afraid Will might see me as weak and not want to me around me. Or maybe those were my own fears coming back to haunt me. I haven't been back very long and I haven't had a lot of time to deal with the aftermath.
"Is she the only reason you wish to fight? Would you still want to help if she wasn't involved? What would you do for her? If you had nothing but yourself, would you still stand by her?" The world echo through my head but I had no answer. All I could think of was a question.
"Who are you?"
There was almost a giggle in the reply. "Who are YOU?"
I bolted up in my bed and looked around my room before I calmed down. That was a weird dream, but at least there were no witches or creatures with black feathers. My clock said it was only 3:08 am so I figured I could still get a few more hours sleep. I patted Huggles who hadn't moved from his warm spot on my covers and fell back to sleep, the dream, forgotten.
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The next day after breakfast and coffee with Mom there was a knock on the door. "Will! What are you doing here? I thought I was going to walk you to the bus stop." She looked down at her shoes.
"Well I set my alarm for the wrong time this morning and couldn't get back to sleep so I figure I'd meet you here to save you some time." I blinked, that didn't make much since.
"But your house is closer to the school we'd just have to go back the way you came." Her face flushed red with embarrassment.
"Oh, right. Well, since I'm already here we might as well be on our way." Something was up but I figured I'd asked when mom was out of earshot.
"I'm heading off Mom, see you later." I had told her the same story I told Nigel last night. And while she was upset that I kept this from her she accepted it as the truth and that it was over. At least I hope so, it was kind of hard to read that look on her face. She had a similar one now but all she said was.
"OK have a good day sweetie. You too Will."
"Um, thanks Mrs. Olsen we'll be fine." We left before my Mom started asking questions. Once we were a safe distance away I confronted Will.
"Alright spill. What was so important you felt the need to pick ME up at home?" Last night was like heaven on Earth with the two of us on stage but now there was the everyday to deal with.
She rubbed her hand through her hair, a sign she was nervous. "Oh, nothing special, just wanted to make sure you were still there." she paused. "I said that out loud didn't I?"
"Will?"
"OK, look Matt I've finally got you back after what seems like an eternity. I just had to see for myself it was really you and not..." She didn't need to finish her sentence, I knew who she was talking about.
"You mean Shagon? He's gone Will, I thought you trusted it was really me." Upset I started to walk off but she grabbed my arm.
"Wait! I didn't mean it like that. I trust you with all my Heart. I know this is the real you. It's Nerissa I don't trust. She just grabbed you out of your own yard Matt, and I didn't even know you were gone for almost three days. I mean what kind of girlfriend doesn't check up on her boyfriend when they've missed school, isn't answering his cell phone, and when they've been battling an evil ex-guardian?" I could hear just how upset she was and tried to calm her down.
"Will it wasn't your fault."
"Why didn't I at least check to see if you were home or at least with your Grandpa?" Tears were starting to form in her eyes now and I couldn't bare it. "I could have done something I could have…"
"WILL!" I pulled her back to look her in the eyes. "Believe me there was nothing you could have done. It just happened too fast." She laughed and sobbed at the same time.
"It's funny you were the one suffering and here you are comforting me." I gathered her up in my arms.
"We both suffered, but because of Nerissa. Blaming yourself is just what she wants, and I know you're not going to let her win, are you?"
"I guess not, but then you should heed your own advice. In the end you won, we won. We haven't had many victories over Nerissa but at least we have one." She touched my hand gently. "I think we should get to school before we get detention."
"Good idea, last thing I need right now is another detention."
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"Will?" I asked carefully as we entered the schoolyard.
She ran her fingers through her hair again, one of her nervous habits. "Yeah?" I held up my cell phone noticing it was giving off small sparks.
"What did you do to my phone? You said you forgot yours and you needed to call your Mom. You never said anything about bringing it to life!"
"Now calm down,"
"Calm down!? Will, this thing won't-"
"Henry" she corrected.
I raised an eyebrow. "You named it?"
"I name everything I Quintessence. Don't you name all the animals at the pet shop?"
"Well, yeah but that's not the point. This thi-er Henry isn't letting me open my voice mail. He keeps flashing a message about how my password's too obvious and I need to change it before he lets me in?"
"Really, well since you have to change it anyway what was it?" she said sounding a little curious.
"Will." I answered as her face went red.
"Oh, well, I mean I guess if someone was guessing-" she stopped and her slumped her shoulders. "OK, I just wanted Henry to just keep an eye on you and let Ed know if something happened."
"Ed?"
"That's my cell phone." She pointed to her cell giving off similar sparks.
"So you're using my own phone to spy on me?"
She looked shocked. "No no no, Henry is all about confidentiality, trust me you're not going to get a thing out of him."
"Like my voice mail." I know I shouldn't be mad at her but I just couldn't help it. So many things in my life were out of my control even with Shagon gone.
"Look, I trust you I really do. But I don't trust Nerissa to just leave you alone after you've broken free from her control. What if she wants revenge or thinks you know too much and decides..." she trailed off but continued. "I'd just feel better knowing someone can alert me if she shows up when I'm not around."
I sighed. I know she's just looking out for me but...I wanted to say I could look after myself but I think Nerissa and Shagon already proved that wasn't the case. "Alright, but if he doesn't let me into my voice mail Henry is getting flushed down the toilet." She smiled and took my hand as we went into class. Suddenly I couldn't remember what I was so mad about.
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I ran into Nigel on my way to lunch and invited him to join us at the girls' table. A fact that Taranee was very pleased about. While some of the girls were still a little leery around me Hay Lin was happily showing off her new braces.
"I can't wait to show them to Eric." I didn't know the guy very well but he seems to be attracted to shinny objects.
"Aw, he'll love them HL."
"They're sweet." Nigel said in agreement.
Suddenly Martin burst into the Cafeteria. "Make way, Make way!" Like a celebrity, a tall raven-haired girl strutted into the room earning the attention of almost every guy there. Big deal, I've seen girls like her before. She reminded me of Sondra a bit too much and she was totally fake. I prefer someone real, and she's sitting right next to me. Besides I had better things to do, like try to break into my stupid voice mail. So far Henry rejected Wreck 55, Olsen 55, and for some reason W.I.T.C.H. Probably better off not using that one though.
Irma was now complaining how Martin was drooling all over the new girl like a lovesick puppy. Funny how she claimed not to like him yet gets really possessive whenever he so much as looks at another girl. Taranee was thinking along the same lines.
"Irma are you really in any position to be territorial?"
"Excuse me." Nigel said as he got up and went over to introduce himself to the new girl, right in front of Taranee.
"I don't know, are you?"
"Ah, what's up with your boy?" Will asked me but to be honest I had no idea. The new girl wasn't THAT good looking and he wasn't even being discrete about it.
"Ah, getting in touch with his inner jerk." But seriously, this wasn't like him at all.
I tried a few more passwords before finally finding one Henry liked. Had to be something I could remember but something someone couldn't guess. I was half joking when I entered "ShagonsHeart" but I'll be damned if it didn't work. Oh well, I'll see about changing it later. Right now I was noticing almost every guy in the room fighting over who got to serve, what's her name, Stacy?
Then Hay Lin's boyfriend came by to say 'hi' and like every other male, he made a beeline for Stacy once again totally ignoring his own girl. I looked around the cafeteria looking for any guy who wasn't fawning over her. But I didn't see anyone. Seriously, was I the only guy in this room happy with their own girlfriend? The competing had turned into a brawl and in the end our table was covered in pudding and all of the men racing out saying something about finding Stacy books to carry. I took another look around and sure enough I was the only guy in the room.
Poor Hay Lin was ready to cry thinking her braces had scared Eric and the other guys away. Thankfully Mrs. Lin had seen there was a bigger problem at hand and beckoned us to the kitchen.
As we were cleaning up she started to explain her theory. "Dollars to dim sung. the new girl is a glamoured Nerissa."
"Whoa Whoa Whoa!" Said Will still dripping with pudding. " I learned the hard way that even though we don't like someone doesn't mean..."
"I heard her quintessence that pudding you're wearing." Yan Lin Pointed out.
"I knew she was Nerissa."
"With Matt Unenthralled and no longer spying for her, Nerissa's doing the job herself." She explained as Hay Lin was trying to get the goop out of her hair.
"So Eric hates my braces and he's in love with Queen nasty?"
"It isn't love, just a spell." Yan Lin assured her.
Taranee, being the smart one caught on. "Of course, that must be how she hooked Nigel and the other guys."
It was a good theory but there was one problem. "Well how come I'm not all hot and drooling." I glanced at Will smiling at me. Even under all that pudding she looked cute. "Well I'm, I mean I'm hot but..."
"Maybe when you defeated your inner jerk, ah, Shagon you became immune?" I guess it's as good a reason as any. I saw 'Stacy' just like all the other guys and didn't even blink. Will seemed very satisfied with the fact that I couldn't be controlled so easily any more, but we still had a problem.
"Are you telling me we have to put up with Nerissa everyday." Irma pointed out bluntly while Cornelia, well, she was just being Cornelia.
"Yeah, because I for one do not appreciate the compotition. I mean, one great beauty is enough for any school."
Anyway, Yan Lin came out with the idea for us to use the element of surprise to steal Nerissa's seal. I was torn though. I wanted to help but realistically what could I do? After school the girls were getting ready to fallow "Stacy" when Will came up to me.
"Matt you coming?"
"Are you sure you want me along, I mean maybe I should stay here and keep an eye on Yan Lin."
"Don't worry once we take down Nerissa Yan Lin will be fine, she said so herself. I talked it over with the other girls and like it or not you're a part of this now, even if you don't have any powers. You could keep an eye out for any surprises or traps she might have set. She's lost her Knights but Kadma, Cassidy, and Halinor are still under her control." She wasn't fooling me, I knew she just wanted to keep an eye on me but I didn't say anything. I was thinking about the guardians she still had under her control. I knew what it was like not being able to stop yourself from doing things you didn't want to do. It may be a long shot but if I could break free maybe there is a way to help them do the same.
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We followed her to the new mall, it wouldn't be open until tomorrow but with a little persuasion from Irma we got in with no problem. We were caught but luckily not by Nerissa. The mall manager thought we were here to help host the mall opening, and gave us costumes to wear. I thought it was a great way to blend in until I saw what I had to wear.
"Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me."
"What's wrong?" asked Will trying to figure out how to put on her mummy outfit. I held my sphinx costume complete with a tail and a full set of wing. She was torn between being horrified and laughing. Thankfully she didn't laugh.
"Ah, well at least it doesn't come with a mask."
"Yeah, thank goodness for small favors." I knew I couldn't escape my sins as Shagon but did I have to be constantly reminded of it? After ditching the manager we found Nerissa in one of the department stores saying she was sick of caves and volcanoes. I'd have to agree, Mt. Thanos was absolutely freezing and she made me run around with little more than a skimpy little vest. My wings kept most of the cold out but that's one place I'm not going to miss in the slightest.
She lost the glamour and sure enough there was the old hag from my nightmares. Every guy was still fawning over her as soon as they saw her. Maybe it was because I broke her more powerful spell that this weaker one had no effect on me what so ever. Maybe I had become stronger than I thought. Whatever the reason, I was grateful.
Keeping the element of surprise Hay Lin turned invisible as Will fallowed her. They were so close, Will had the seal in her hand but a moment later it vanished and reappeared in Nerissa's. I wasn't much of a lookout. She sprung her trap before we knew what was happening. Our fears were realized, she had with her all four ex-guardians including Yan Lin. But how? When did she get a hold of her? The current Guardians were in real trouble, Nerissa ordered her slaves to attack element vs. element. With double power, and Will unable to transform the others, our side was getting hit hard. I was really concerned for Hay Lin, she seemed to be in shock. She wouldn't fight back at all, she was just pleading with her Grandmother to stop.
Suddenly Yan Lin used her power to cause a ceiling fan above Hay Lin to go in reverse. Hay Lin was being sucked in! I reacted on pure instinct. I leapt up into the air stream and grabbed her. "Guess all that Shagon flight training does come in handy." I used my fake wings to jam the fan before we were both pulled in. So much for the element of surprise, looks like we were the ones caught off guard. We needed to regroup and fast. "Will! Get us out of here now!"
We all managed to escape even if I had to force Hay Lin through the portal. Now back in Kandracar everyone was down about our defeat at the hands of Nerissa. But Hay Lin was falling to pieces. The others and I tried to comfort her but she was just too upset. I can sympathies.
"Grandma? how could she?"
"She didn't." Of all of her friends Will knew better than anyone what she was going through. "Come on Hay Lin you know deep down she still loves you." I put a paw, er, hand on her shoulder.
"And she's fighting. Your love will help her through this, trust me." I was hoping my words would help her see her Grandma's side of this situation but nothing seemed to be getting through.
"But she's my Grandma." After that we pretty much left her alone until we got back to Earth. But I still had to try once more so I stopped her before we started for home.
"Hay Lin, hold up!" she stopped but didn't turn around. "Look I know this is hard on you but you have to believe in your grandma. She-"
But she spun around and rounded on me. "Shut up! You were the one always hunting her down for your beloved Nerissa." She screamed at me but I was too shocked to respond. "This is all your fault. Nerissa probably took her while you were distracting us. How do we even know your still not working for her? How convenient that you're the only boy who's not effected by that love spell of hers." Will came to my defense as Irma tried to calm Hay Lin.
"Hay Lin! Stop it, that's enough!"
"Easy for you to say you've got your boyfriend back while I've lost mine as well as my Grandma."
Irma put a hand on her shoulder. "Hay Hay calm down, we'll get them back."
"Just leave me alone, all of you!" She ran off before anyone could stop her. The others were looking at me sympathetically but looked torn. They weren't sure if they should stay with me or go after Hay Lin. So I made the decision for them.
"I'll see you guys later."
I started to walk off but Will stopped me. "Matt wait! You know she didn't mean-"
"I know, and it's alright, I know she doesn't really mean it." But that didn't stop it from hurting.
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When I got home there was a note on the fridge from Mom saying she had to go back to the office for a few hours and to help myself to some leftovers. I wasn't that hungry, my body was still getting use to solid food rather than hate, but when I opened the fridge I was greeted with several boxes of Chinese food with the familiar logo of the Silver Dragon on them. A wave of guilt swept over me as I remembered relentlessly stalking Mrs. Lin as Shagon. Dinner was out of the question, what I needed was something to calm my nerves. Out of habit I made a full pot of coffee even if I was only going to drink a cup or two. The warm liquid took the edge off but I couldn't stop thinking of Hay Lin and her Grandmother. I wasn't even sure if I really should be blaming myself or not.
The way Nerissa turned me to her side was different than then the way she enthralled Yan Lin and the others. With me it was like she took the very worst of my soul and created an alternate personality. One that was me yet not me. In the end I had won control over myself but the demon would forever be within me, a part of me. And that was something I couldn't change.
"Matt? Matt my boy, are you home?" I'd know that warm voice anywhere.
"I'm in the kitchen Grandpa." He came in carrying a large bulky bag. I took it from him and set it on the counter.
"Thank you Matt, I fear I was loosing my grip."
"You mean it was too heavy?"
"Ha, I may be old but there's still a lot of fight left in these old bones. Oh, I see you made some coffee. Mind if I join you?"
I smiled and poured him a cup as he sat down across from me. "You know the doctor said you should be cutting back."
"You would deny an old man his simple pleasures? Besides I haven't had any in weeks, so pass me the sugar."
We sat quietly for a few minutes but Grandpa could always tell when something was bothering me. "You seem a little distracted my boy. Anything you'd like to talk about?"
I sighed and put my cup down. I know I couldn't talk about W.I.T.C.H. and Nerissa but I just wanted to talk to someone. It was killing me keeping everything inside. "Well...I, I don't know."
"You know you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to but I get the feeling there's something you want to get off of your chest."
"I...I've made a few mistakes, ok a lot of mistakes lately. I'm just worried that...I don't know maybe I'm not the person I thought I was."
"And who do you think you are now?"
"I'm not sure anymore, but more and more I'm noticing a side of me I don't like. A darker side." He put a hand on my shoulder.
"My boy we all have our dark sides it is human nature. As we grow up we have to make a lot of choices and some are going to be the wrong ones. No one lives a charmed life forever. The important thing to remember is to accept the fact that you made a mistake, a fact that you already seem to recognize, but you must also remember that you can either learn from them or try to ignore them, but then you risk letting them consume you and that helps no one especially yourself. I've known you your whole life Matt, I've seen you grow and change over the years. And while I don't pretend to know everything about you I know deep down you are a good person and more importantly you want to do what's right. You may have stumbled along the way but don't let that stop you. You just have to get back up and keep going."
His words meant a lot to me. Deep down I knew he was right and I really wanted to believe in myself. I guess I just needed to hear someone else say it before I could accept it. He was right, I wasn't Shagon, I was Matt Olsen. If I gave in now Nerissa would win and that was something I couldn't let happen.
"Thanks Grandpa, that means a lot to me."
"Glad I could help. I know it's tough on you with your Mother having to work so much. And that blasted son of mine is almost always out of town on his business trips. You're growing up so fast and I fear by the time he realizes it...well lets just say that everyone makes mistakes even your old grandpa." He paused a moment as if in deep thought only to switch back a moment later. "Well enough about that. My question is what do you plan to do about your mistakes?"
"You know, while I can't change the past I might be able to fix a few things and make up for the rest."
"That's the spirit. Matt, I hope you realize how proud I am of you."
"Yeah I think I know but it's nice to hear that every once and a while." I gave him a big hug. It was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. "And I hope you know I'm proud to have you for a Grandpa."
"You're right, it is nice to hear that every now and again." And then I knew it was going to be a long road but as long there were people who loved me, I could get through this. We could all get through this.
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After a light dinner, grandpa thought I looked a little peckish, so I retired to my room. Huggles was happy to see me. I think he misses me when I'm not home. "Sorry buddy, really can't take you to school or Nerissa hunting." Suddenly there was a familiar tapping at my window. I could see Will standing outside waving at me and for a moment I almost panicked. Was this really Will, or had Nerissa come back for me?
Huggles, being braver than I was, jumped off of my shoulder and sniffed at Will. He chirped happily and scratched at the glass as if he was trying to let her in himself. I sighed in relief, you couldn't fool Huggles.
I went to the window and let her in. Huggles leaped up onto Will's shoulder his tail tickling her noise. "Mr. Huggles cut that out." She giggled. "OK I'm glade to see you too." She looked up and smiled at me. "Hey Matt, I just came by to see how you were doing."
"I'm fine Will honest."
"Really, you didn't look too happy to see me."
"Ah, well, that's kind of the way Nerissa lured me out of my house the night she..."
"Oh, I was wondering how, never mind are you sure you're doing OK?"
"Yeah I just had good talk with my Grandpa-don't worry I didn't tell him anything...magical. Let's just say he helped me put a few things into perspective. I'm more worried about Hay Lin, how's she doing?"
"Not so good we tried going to see her but she's not coming out of her room, her parents think she's sick. Taranee can't even get through to her with her telepathy."
"Oh man, isn't there anything we can do?"
"I don't know, I just hope she tries to go to school tomorrow. Right now she's not letting anyone near her."
"Then maybe we should let her sleep on it and try again in the morning."
She sighed, "I guess there's nothing else we can do right now."
"Yeah, and how about you Will? This must be pretty tough on you as well."
"I'll be OK, I just have to be strong for her, for all of us." I put a hand on her shoulder and pulled her into a gentle hug.
"You're doing just fine Will. And I think I can be strong for you as well." She returned the hug and I felt a little bit of dampness on my chest. I didn't say anything, I didn't have to. I just wanted to be there for her. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders and if I could help take some of the weight off then I was glad to do so. I held her for a little while before she pulled away.
"Sorry." She said a little embarrassed.
"Don't be. It's OK to want to be strong, but it's also OK to cry every now and then." She jumped back into my arm and kissed me hard.
"I'm so glad you're back. I'm so glad you're OK." After another passionate kiss we broke apart. She needed to get home before her mother noticed she had snuck out and my mom would be home anytime now. "I'll see you tomorrow Matt."
"Count on it."
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The next day I was surprised to see Hay Lin back at school, but I get the feeling it took a large effort on her part. Part of me was thinking maybe she should have just stayed home. Nerissa was flaunting her new harem of boys. It was a collection of boyfriends, crushes, and random guys who just happen to be standing too close. There was little we could do at the school so we went looking for her at the mall knowing she'd be there. I saw her coming towards us with the former guardians and a large chunk of the male student body. She whispered something to Yan Lin and Eric and the pair made their way to Hay Lin who was standing off to the side. I couldn't hear everything they said to her but what I did hear was just cruel. She came running back to us crying while Will confronted Nerissa. We were all trying to comfort her but she was just too upset. Nerissa offer Will a chance for one final showdown, winner take all. She agreed.
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We arrived at the mall and W.I.T.C.H. was ready to give their all. "Guardians ATTACK!" Both Nerissa and Will shouted and the battle was on. Element vs. Element C.H.Y.K.N. just had more power and they were using it. But Hay Lin just couldn't bring herself to fight her grandma.
"Hay Lin! You have to fight back!" I shouted at her trying to get her attention. But even being attacked head on did nothing to snap her out it.
"I can't fight my Grandma." Luckily Will came to her aid.
"Then switch with me I'll take Yan Lin, you take, oh, what am I saying?" Nerissa seemed to think a switch was a brilliant idea and set her sights on Hay Lin. She made one mistake however. She may have won using Hay's grandmother to fight her battle for her but when she reveiled the fact that Eric was in danger I could see a spark of life returning to Hay Lin's eyes. Nerissa should have learned just how far people will go to protect the ones they love and if you put them into harms way...
With newfound determination and fury she gave the witch what was coming to her. She freed Eric and left him in my care.
"Take care of him OK."
"Totally, and hey, good to have you back."
"Yeah right." I tried not to take it personally but I think she still partially blames me for her grandma going to the dark side. Will got the idea to switch partners and then the tides started to turn in our favor. Seems I was right about how she was controlling them, they had almost no free will. Without constant orders they didn't know what to do. In the end Nerissa backed out of her promise and ran but at least Hay Lin seemed almost back to her normal self. She even kissed Eric when he woke up and complimented her on her braces. Yeah, I think she's going to be OK.
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It was late when I got home. I called my grandpa before the fight but he was already sleeping. Dad was still away, big surprise, and mom left me a message not to expect her until the next day. I was tired but still a little hyped up from the battle so I decided to watch a little TV before I called it a night. As I was flicking through the channels there was a knock at my front door. I turned off the set and looked out the peep hole surprised to see, "Hay Lin?" I open the door and saw her standing there in a Silver Dragon Uniform with a bag of take out in her hands.
"Hay Lin what are you doing here so late? If you're looking for Will I think she's at home." She looked around the living room as if checking to see if I was alone.
"Actually I came to talk to you if that's OK." I raised an eyebrow but led her into the kitchen. "Is anyone home?"
"Just my Grandpa but he's fast asleep." She set the food bag down on the table to the side. "Ah, I didn't order any take out you know."
"I know I was just using it for a cover in case your parents wondered why I was dropping by so late. Where are they anyway?"
"Working." Was all I said, I really didn't feel like going into detail about how this was normal. She looked away nervously but seemed to take the hint.
"Oh well, it's just as well, I didn't want to be interrupted." She took a deep breath before she started. "Look Matt I'm really sorry about what I said to you the other day."
"Oh, that, it's alright Hay Lin I know you didn't mean-"
"No it's not alright. I said some pretty nasty things to you and even if I was upset I had no right to hurt you like that. Especially when you were just trying to help me. I don't know what you went through but I bet it was pretty awful. I guess I was jealous of the fact that you broke free but my Grandma didn't. I know it was wrong but I just couldn't help feeling that way."
I could tell she was really being sincere and it did make me feel better that she thought enough to tell me in person.
"Apology accepted."
"Thanks. Say Matt?"
"Yeah?"
"I know it's kind of personal but what did Nerissa do to bewitch you?" I must admit I was shocked that she would ask me such a question. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to it's just...I'm trying to understand how my Grandma could...I mean I'm not saying you're, that is...Never mind, I've said too much." She got up to leave but I stopped her. As painful as it was she needed to understand.
"Yeah, it is a bit personal but I think you should know." She sat back down and silently waited for me to begin. I took a deep breath, I could do this, I had to. "Nerissa seems to use a different method with all of her...victims. But basically it's the same spell. All she needs is a moment of weakness a 'chink in the armor of your soul' so to speak. With Kadma it was pride, with Halinor it was desperation and with me, it was hate." I had to pause for a moment before going on. Hay Lin remained silent patiently waiting for me to continue.
"I think the spell she used on me was different than the one she used on the others. I wasn't just enthralled, she turned my hatred for her into an alternate personality. I'm sure you must have noticed Shagon seemed to have more free will then the former Guardians. When she created him she actually got him addicted to hate so she could control him better. But as evil as he was he was still created from a part of me."
Hay Lin shifted in her seat. "Do you think that's what she did to my Grandma?"
"Honestly I don't know, but she can be very manipulative. She used poor Huggle's anger to turn him into Kor and tortured him when he tried to protect me. For just a moment I hated her more that I had ever hated anyone in my life, and that was all she needed. I know Yan Lin is strong but all Nerissa needs is just a moment of weakness, one slip and Nerissa takes control." I stood up and sighed.
"Unfortunately Nerissa didn't share too many of her plans with Shagon. I don't know when or how she took your Grandma but believe me if I did I would have said something as soon as I could."
"I know you would, it's just that I tried so hard to protect her."
"I understand, believe me, you're families weren't the only ones Shagon threatened."
I heard the chair scrap the floor behind me as Hay Lin turned me around to face her. "I'm sorry you had to go through all of that, but it doesn't sound like your taking your own advise. Nerissa's the one that made you that way.
"But you fought back and in the end you were stronger. Your love for Will helped you beat your dark side." She looked a little sheepish. "I heard what you said even if I chose not to listen. But it's not your fault either. It sounds like your still blaming yourself but you're just as much of a victim here as my Grandma. I know the feeling, I was blaming myself for not protecting her better but the only one to blame is Nerissa.
She took a breath and continued. "I was angry at you earlier but now that I'm thinking straight, you give me hope." This wasn't the reaction I was expecting.
"What do you mean?"
"Well if you can fight off a demon and win, than I'm not going to give up on my Grandma. I know she's fighting too and I'm going to be there for her." I found myself smiling at her words. Maybe I did make a difference after all.
"Sounds like a plan, and it sounds to me, looks like she's in good hands."
"Thanks a lot for talking with me tonight Matt. I know it must have been a bit uncomfortable but you really helped me out. I think I can face the world now." She moved to the door. "Sorry I've got to run, my folks will get worried if I'm not home soon. I still have to think of something to tell them that would explain Grandma's sudden disappearance."
"What are you going to tell them?"
"I'll think of something."
Just then I saw the bag of Chinese food on the table. "Oh, Hay Lin your forgot your food."
"That's OK keep it, it's on me."
"Oh, thanks I was getting pretty hungry smelling it from a cross the table. Oh, hold up." I pulled out two chocolate covered fortune cookies from the bag and tossed one to Hay Lin. "For good luck."
She eyed it suspiciously but then cracked it open. "Love will set you free." She smiled at the little note. "A good omen, can't have enough of those. Open yours."
I cracked mine and read the message. "When you understand your true desires, only then will they be granted." I raised an eyebrow trying to decipher the meaning.
"Yours sounds a bit more cryptic."
"Are they always so mysterious?"
"No, last week Cornelia got one that said, 'You will buy new shoes.' Really that's what it said." We both got a chuckle at that. "OK I'm off for real before my parents call in a search party. Bye Matt." She started to walk away but paused and turned her head towards me.
"Oh and, good to have you back too." and then she left. All I could think of was...
"Yeah, it is good to be back."
to be continued...
Who is this mysterious voice comforting Matt in his dreams? What does it have to do with Nerissa's next target? Destiny is right around the corner. Join us next time for the finale chapter…Regents UNITE!
It took me a loooong time to edit this! Please review for my friend to make up for that time.